They say football has no offseason. If the number of local youth football camps is any indication then the saying holds true in Santa Barbara.
There are several youth football camps to choose from stacked up through the summer starting this weekend with a mini one-day spring camp at Bishop Diego.
Santa Barbara City College’s camp is new to the scene. The Vaqueros’ coaching staff is hoping its years of high-level experience will make its camp at La Playa Stadium a worthwhile experience for local athletes. They say the three-day camp was started in order to teach on-field skills & technique, leadership philosophy, and proper training habits for athletes.
SBCC head coach Craig Moropoulos has been an assistant coach at major college football programs like Texas A&M, Arizona and Boise State. A Santa Barbara native, Moropoulos has been the head coach at SBCC for the past nine seasons. Under his leadership, the Vaqueros have put together back-to-back seven-win seasons for the first time since 1982-83.
Many of the local high school conduct camps of their own. Santa Barbara High, Bishop Diego and Carpinteria High also host football camps in June and July. All are non-contact except for Bishop Diego’s.
LOCAL FOOTBALL CAMPS
BISHOP DIEGO CARDINALS MINI-CAMP (May 16)
This is an advanced youth camp to help players currently in grades 6-8 learn and improve their football fundamentals including the fundamentals of strength and conditioning as part of their training. Only $20 per camper or $30 for two in the same family. Coaching instruction is provided by current Bishop Diego staff and players.
SBCC VAQUEROS CAMP (June 12-14)
This non-contact youth football camp is open to boys and girls ages 11-14. The coaching staff will provide quality instruction on basic football techniques and drills. There will also be an emphasis on developing leadership and sportsmanship. It’s $125 for the full three days. Scholarships are available. Coaching instruction is provided by SBCC’s experienced staff. [MORE DETAILS]
SANTA BARBARA DONS CAMP (June 15-18)
A non-contact skills & development program run by Santa Barbara High head coach JT Stone and his staff in Peabody Stadium. The up-tempo design is meant to create a competitive game speed environment. Each day will have a special guest trainer to work with the athletes. The three-day camp has afternoon sessions and the early-registration fee is $50 per camper. [MORE DETAILS]
BISHOP DIEGO CARDINALS CONTACT CAMP (July 14-17)
Bishop Diego hosts the only contact camp of the summer for kids aged 8 to 14. It’s the fifth year the Cardinals have led the camp, which costs $140 per participant for the four days with a discount for two or more members of a family participating. Participants receive a practice jersey, daily drinks and snacks and a BBQ on the last day of camp. Parents are encouraged to attend any and all sessions including our competitions on the last day of camp. Each day consists of drills, group work and individualized instruction to progress players in their skill development, ability and understanding of the safety elements through a staged progression, and the mental aspects of successful competition.
CARPINTERIA WARRIORS CAMP (July 13-16)
Carpinteria High School is now taking sign ups for its 6th annual Football Camp for all kids 8 to 13. Free lunch will be served to each camper after the morning sessions. Participants can attend one, two or all three days of camp. Questions/RSVP can be directed to [email protected].
SANTA BARBARA YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
A full season’s worth of football development and game experience with SB YFL. Online registration for the fall season is currently open and team practices begin on August 3. The YFL’s stated mission is to provide the opportunity for youth to profit from physical, mental, moral and spiritual development using the great game of football as a catalyst. [MORE DETAILS]
The Boys & Girls Club fall league season begins July 27 but signups are underway. Registration costs can be offset by players selling raffle tickets. Practices are five days per week through August until the season starts on August 29. All coaches are Heads-Up certified. [MORE DETAILS]
